ASTM International launched the ASTM SpecBuilderplatform, which is designed to empower organizations to streamline collaboration and document development for internal documents such as specifications, test methods, guidelines, and procedures.

In an effort to refine the platform, the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) and others have tested SpecBuilder over the past year. According to PPI’s Debora Bechtloff, member services coordinator, “ASTM SpecBuilder provides a contemporary solution for collaboration, balloting, and publishing. Since adopting SpecBuilder, the number of PPI ballots has increased, member involvement in collaboration and balloting efforts has improved, and PPI publishes documentation more quickly.”

According to ASTM International, SpecBuilder provides a single platform to ensure organizations’ internal drafts, comments, votes, and supporting documents, are uploaded, acted on, and archived within a single secure tool. Specifically, the tool allows team members to manage changes to documents; revise multiple documents simultaneously; accelerate voting processes; add hyperlinks to standards; streamline communications; and securely store and restart projects.

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has released its new Guide for Inspecting Metal Building Systems, a resource intended for use by individuals who are responsible for contracting, performing, and reporting the inspection tasks related to the construction of a metal building project.

This guide is available for online purchase, in print or PDF format, at www.techstreet.com/mbma. The audience consists of general contractors and erectors, design professionals, building officials, owner’s representatives, and others who are involved in project delivery.

Input for the guide was provided by MBMA members as well as representatives from the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association. The result is a publication designed to help eliminate misunderstandings and lead to shorter punch lists, efficient project delivery, and quality construction of metal buildings.

Depending on the project and jurisdiction, building code and contractually required inspections may be necessary, as well as other inspections such as owner acceptance and insurance evaluations. The scope of the guide focuses on inspecting newly constructed metal building systems, including primary framing, secondary framing, and metal roof and wall cladding. It also overviews standards on materials common to the building envelope, such as windows, doors, skylights, and insulation materials.

Dustin Cole, PE, serves on MBMA’s Technical Committee and chaired the task group that developed the MBMA handbook. He presented information on this publication at the 2016 METALCON convention. He discussed the different qualities of metal buildings, focusing on the function of components that comprise metal building systems and inspection requirements found in the building code.

“As metal building projects and building codes continue to grow more complex, inspection becomes more necessary and expected. Knowing what is required and what to look for when performing an inspection helps reduce delays and decreases costs,” says Dan Walker, PE, associate general manager of MBMA. “The Metal Building Manufacturer Association’s Guide for Inspecting Metal Building Systems will benefit anyone who is responsible for evaluating new or existing metal building construction.”

The guide can be purchased at this website for $60 for non-members and $36 for MBMA members.

FORTIFIED Home On the Go interactive tablet app is available for free download from the iTunes Store. It walks homeowners, contractors and architects through the steps for strengthening homes. The information includes videos, animations and technical specifications for retrofitting or building single family homes.

Information in the app is taken from IBHS’ FORTIFIED Home program, which provides a set of building standards for homes in high-risk areas, such as in the plains and coastal states.

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November/December 2018

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Roofing is a national publication that unravels, investigates and analyzes how to properly design, install and maintain a roof system. Through the voices of professionals in the field, Roofing’s editorial provides a unique perspective.